SOA for a 1977 CJ5

matt1u2

New Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Location
florence,sc
I have a 77 Jeep CJ5 304 that I am building for moderate crawling. I am sure I'll push it a little further but thats my intention. I want to run SOA to gain flex and height. What is your opinion of the (The Rocky Road Bolt-on SOA) kits. Are they worth the money or is there something better.
*I plan on running an 8.8 axle(4.10) in the rear and a d30 wide track(4.10) in the front using wheel spacers to equalize the width difference and bolt pattern.
 
I don't have any experience with that kit but it looks decent enough to me. The two concerns I have with it are that they say you dont have to weld the spring perches to the axle (I would) and the Z style steering which you'll find to probably be a pretty weak link if you ever get a front locker. I'd eventually go to a 44 front and do crossover or hi-steer. For moderate trail riding you'll probably be fine.
 
One of the first things you will have to address is the short wheel base of the 5. With a spring over you will have a very short rear driveline. What transmission and tcase are you running now? What size tire are you wanting to run?
 
I would consider running this spring under with yj 2.5" bds springs. Get you some tj rear flares and cut the rear out, and flat flender the front. It would be a lot more stable off road. You can def do a spring over but i dont think the kit would be your best choice. Another choice would be the rubicon express 4.5" kit if you dont want to cut. You would still def have to use a cv driveshaft.
 
don't forget about the steering. any lift over 4" will require a lot of modification to the steering system. Z-links or other forms of a bent drag link do not cut it.

If you do go with the SOA, you will need a CV rear driveshaft and a traction bar.

Like Jason said, with 35" tires stick with a 2.5" lift and some trimming.
 
x3. With the SOA u will acquire about 5.5in just in the flip. the cj5 wheelbase is short enough already, ur chances of rolling over will triple. You will need high steer and driveshafts and the list goes on... Im doin a SOA on my yj right now with 2in springs and boy is it high.....its gonna be really really top heavy which is good for muddin but not so much for trailriding... Whatever you do good luck and id like to see some pics
 
People roll every day that is what a good roll cage is for!

5.5 inches with a short wheel base is extreme but what he didn't mention was he is putting on a wide track dana 35 and 3"spacers in the front and a 8.8 with 1" 1/4 5/4.5 to 5/5 spacers in the rear. I think that is going to make him close to 9" inches wider the a stock CJ5.
 
Back
Top